The UK government has announced it is investing £22 million in two new innovation and knowledge centres to help bring new semiconductor chips to market.

The investment will support projects and finance prototyping technology to test complex designs and early-stage companies.

The government said the development of semiconductors is essential as they are a key component in almost every electronic device in the world, adding that they will also underpin future technologies in net zero, AI and quantum.

The government has also announced it is allocating £4.8 million to 11 semiconductor skills projects across the country. The funding will raise awareness of the semiconductor industry in schools and universities as well as address the skills gap, it said.

The investments form part of the government’s £1 billion National Semiconductor Strategy, which is a 20-year plan detailing how the government will address the manufacture and development of semiconductors.

“This investment marks a crucial step in advancing our ambitions for the semiconductor industry, with these centres helping bring new technologies to market in areas like net zero and AI, rooting them right here in the UK,” said Saqib Bhatti, minister for tech and the digital economy. “Just nine months into delivering on the National Semiconductor Strategy, we’re already making rapid progress towards our goals.

“This isn’t just about fostering growth and creating high-skilled jobs, it’s about positioning the UK as a hub of global innovation, setting the stage for breakthroughs that have worldwide impact.”

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